Publisher’s Note: New information added to report

The Brantford Community Hospital system (BCHS) announces it’s plans to move forward on it’s two highest priority projects: renovation and expansion of the BGH site Emergency Department; and renovations and new service delivery at the Willett site in Paris.

Senior staff under Supervisor Bonnie Adams and temporary CEO Glenn Bartlett worked with new CFO Rae Jerome to launch the plan. Dr. McNeil, starting as CEO on December 10 was also made aware of the project and his opinions sought during the selection process.

The two sites merged their foundations under the BCHS banner in 2010 but maintained  specific line items as discretionary donations and funding separately for each. The Willett already has a $980,000 budget being used for transition beds to relieve waiting at BGH and also service identified for the county’s needs. Mental Health Services and urgent care access are already well-received, especially at the Willett. 

Of course all relies on the promised support of the Ministry of Health.

“BCHS is awaiting Ministry approval for our updates to our Mental Health Unit.  Once this has been received our preliminary designs for the unit will be reviewed by physicians, staff and patients as well as other stakeholders and community partners before moving to implementation.”

“BCHS is also working with the Ministry of Health’s capital branch and the LHIN who remain supportive of our redevelopment in the ED.  We are currently working through the first two stages of the Ministry process and expect to have a submission to the Ministry by mid-October.   Once we get Ministry approval to advance to the next stage, which is to develop a preliminary design, we will be seeking input from physicians, staff and patients as well as other stakeholders and community partners.” -Blair Hains, Communications and Public Affairs ,BCHS

The next to get going is the BGH site. A funding commitment was secured earlier from the previous provincial government, An architectural/engineering firm, Cannon Design was the successful candidate through the ‘Request For Quote’ process for a number of intended projects. They are an internationally recognized firm in healthcare design and locally were involved in the Laurier/YMCA Athletic Centre on the south side of Colborne Street in Brantford, opened earlier this week.

The government has a 90/10 funding model for bricks and mortar construction. Accordingly, in a project capped by BCHS at $10 million, the local fundraising for the initial stage is $1 million. It is understandable that this kind of construction project is complicated given it will remain as an active emergency department with no impact on patient services. Stage 1 allows for moving services, prior to removing existing services, into another part of the hospital to achieve that goal. Stage 2 is the reverse transition back to the finally completed department. Stage 2 also includes new diagnostic testing devices added to the new area including new ultra-sound and echo-imaging tools, none of which are covered by the ministry funding. The BCHSys Foundation is seeking an additional $1 million for that purpose. Finally, there are many improvements, equipment, access and service delivery adjustments that are being targeted outside the funding envelope of the ministry, for a potential $3 million effort added over both stages. The anticipated completion date is 2020.

“Our Foundation is excited to be embarking on this important fundraising campaign. Every dollar counts, and each donation matters as we invest in this critical service that impacts all members of our community.”  –Kari Wilson, Executive Director BCHSys Foundation

The healthcare system requires recognition and support from those that live in Brant to help cross the finish line. In light of that, the foundation has created an ER Run/Walk on October 20 starting at Waterworks Park, “Supporting Patient Care- One Step at a Time”.

The event has multiple options: there is a 1K walk; a 5K walk or run; and a 10K run.

All proceeds will benefit the Emergency Department at the Brantford General to enhance care and improve patient privacy and accessibility.

The run will be at Waterworks Park and every runner will get a promotional item and a pita for participation. There is a participation fee, but it can also be made up of pledges as it is a pledge-a-thon event.

They have an online pledge platform as well as paper forms. Please see them attached here

Feel free to visit the BCHSys website here